Book Reviews :: Two New Inspire Bibles (Inspire Bible for Girls NLT and Inspire Catholic Bible NLT)

The Inspire Bible (New Living Translation) is a line of unique Bibles that are fantastic for those who love to be creative in their worship and study times. There are a lot of journaling Bible options out there, but one of the things that makes the Inspire Bible so unique is that it not only offers room for journaling and Bible art, but it is also like a built in coloring book. With over 400 illustrations throughout the different versions of the Inspire Bible, there is a lot to color in, but there is still plenty of room to do art & journaling of your own.

And now there are two new versions of the Inspire Bible - the Inspire Bible for Girls and the Inspire Catholic Bible:

First up - the Inspire Catholic Bible:

The leather-like cover of the Inspire Catholic Bible comes in rose gold with a rose gold foiled imprinted accents and a matching elastic strap for closure. The NLT text comes in 8.65 font size and is all black, printed in a single column. The pages have printed edges and a ribbon bookmark is included. The cover measures approximately 6 3/8" x 8 1/8" x 2" and the pages measure approximately 6" x 7 3/4" with a 2" margin (lightly lined where artwork is not included).

The Inspire Catholic Bible is much like the original Inspire Bible (including many of the same illustrations), but with the full biblical canon recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. For those, like me, who are unfamiliar with what this means, the following texts are included:

• Tobit and Judith - placed after Nehemiah
• 1 and 2 Maccabees - placed after Esther
• Wisdom and Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) - placed after Song of Songs
• Baruch - placed after Lamentations

The above texts contain 48 new illustrations, making over 450 illustrations throughout.

And then there is the Inspire Bible for Girls, which has several new extras not available in other versions of the Inspire Bible:

The hard paperback cover on the Inspire Bible for Girls has some embossed dimension with foiled imprinted accents. This is not your typical paperback cover (like you would find on a novel) - these covers are sturdy, and there is a slip box for additional protection. The NLT text comes in 8.65 font size and is black with teal accents, chapter numbers, and headings. The text is printed in a single column. The cover measures approximately 6 1/8" x 7 7/8" x 1 1/2" and the pages are edge-to-edge with a 1 7/8" margin (lightly lined where artwork is not included). 

There are over 500 line art illustrations in the Inspire Bible for Girls - with teal accents included on the book key Scripture verse illustrations. Many of the illustrations are from the original Inspire Bible, but there are several (something in the range of 75 or so) new designs.

Where the Inspire Bible for Girls differs most from other versions of the Inspire Bible is in the additional devotionals, fun facts, and journaling prompts. There are over 300 (I think I counted 318) devotionals - meaning you can read one devotional six days out of the week and it will take you a year to get through them all.

For each book (with 2 & 3 John being included with 1 John), there are key verses and fun facts shared. Throughout the Inspire Bible for Girls there are also over 160 journaling prompts to get you thinking (& writing).

No matter what you are looking for in a journaling Bible, the Inspire Bible line is sure to have something for you.

Happy reading! (And coloring!)

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through their book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by David Catrow

When God Made Light is another great book from the duo who created When God Made You!

When God Made Light is a book that celebrates the light that God created in the universe, as well as the light He places in each of His children. Both When God Made Light and When God Made You are empowering and confidence-building, all in the context of being created by God. 

The rhyming text in these books is a unique find - almost Dr. Seuss-ish with a poetic flair. They are a literary step above other children's books on the market, in my opinion. I can't think of another way to describe them - they just feel different from the typical rhyming books for children...and I love that!

The illustrations just add to the beautiful text in When God Made Light. Our family loves the illustrator's quirky, unique style. (We have another book illustrated by David Catrow: I Like Myself! - also a great one!)

When God Made Light is another wonderful book from this author/illustrator duo, and I am so thankful for their contributions to children's literature.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: God Made The World by Sarah Jean Collins

God Made The World is a board book, written in rhyme. 

The words in this book are good, but what I think really sets this one apart from the rest of the creation board books is the simple, graphic nature of the illustrations.

I love the high contrast images in God Made The World - they really demand attention from the reader(s). These types of illustrations are especially wonderful for getting the attention of babies.

God Made The World is one of my favorite board books about creation - I would recommend it particularly for ages 0-3. 

FTC Declaration: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through their book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: My Promise Bible, KJV (with video flip-through) & a GIVEAWAY!

If you've been following along on my blog, you know that I love checking out all the journaling Bibles out there, so I was thrilled when KJVBibles sent me their new My Promise Bible to review. 

As with any journaling Bible (especially those with line art, like the My Promise Bible) it is best to actually see the interior pages. Here's a flip-through video I created to help you get a feel for it:

And, thanks to the generosity of the folks over at KJVBibles, I've got a My Promise Bible to give away!

To enter:

Leave a comment on this blog post. That's it!

If you would like additional chances to win you can do so in one (or all) of the following ways:
- Subscribe to my Ink Blots by TRD YouTube channel. {Please let me know you've done so by leaving an additional comment.}
- "Like" Ink Blots by TRD on Facebook. {Please let me know you've done so by leaving an additional comment.}
- Follow @InkBlotsbyTRD on Instagram. {Please let me know you've done so by leaving an additional comment.}
- Comment on any of my giveaway posts (associated with this particular giveaway) on Facebook or Instagram (@InkBlotsbyTRD).
- Share about and link back to this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or anywhere else. {Please let me know where you've shared/linked by leaving one additional comment.}

Rules of this giveaway:
Blog comments for the giveaway will close Sunday, February 4th @ 11:59pm (Eastern) and the winner will be announced Tuesday, February 6th here on my blog.
- The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their information.
- Due to shipping costs, giveaways are available to US mailing addresses only.

Please remember to check back to see if you've won.

Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or Twitter.

Good luck in the giveaway!

FTC Declaration: KJVBibles.com has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

2017 Year in Review (Top Ten Blog Hop 2017)

The Introduction:

If you are hopping along with us today: Welcome! You should have come here from Heather Leopard's blog.

If you aren't already following me, I'd love to have you follow me on my @InkBlotsbyTRD account on Instagram, Ink Blots by TRD page on Facebook, and here on my blog as well!

If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you! Please feel free to join along in the hop.

The Year in Review - Top Fives:

Because I blog a variety of things here (crafts, cards, Bible art & journaling, book reviews, and more) I thought I would do a variation on the top ten idea, and share the top five from a few different categories. And, because I have been a bad blogger (I've had some gaps in my blogging where my projects only made it as far as Instagram or Facebook), not all of these have actually been given air time here on my blog this year.

Top Five Bible Journaling Entries of 2017:

These top five Bible journaling entries were chosen based on their popularity here on my blog (as well as over on my Instagram account). 

You can click each photo below to be taken to the original blog post (where I have a full supply list) or Instagram post...or just go ahead and view them here:

Top Five Cards of 2017:

A few of these top five cards were chosen because they are some of my personal favorites from the year. (And a couple were well loved on my Instagram account, but they didn't make it to the blog...oops!)

You can click each photo below to be taken to the original blog post (where I have a full supply list) or Instagram post...or just go ahead and view them here:

Top Five Bible Recommendations/Reviews 2017:

These top five Bible recommendations are my personal top recommendations from all the Bibles that I have had the pleasure of reviewing this year. 

Here they are with a little description for each:

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

The Beautiful Word Bible line came out with a "for Girls" coloring Bible version, but for me it is my personal favorite from the line (even though I am not the target age range). The updated images to color really are a step up from some of those in the earlier versions, and I love the added bonus of a cute cover and rounded page corners, all while keeping the original wide lined margins for Bible art & journaling.

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

The She Reads Truth Bible is a great option for Bible art & journaling, note taking, and more. The interior pages are beautifully designed, and this Bible has some great study helps. The She Reads Truth Bible is a journaling Bible on steroids. (All legal, of course.)

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

Okay, this isn't technically a Bible (since it is a storybook), but I snuck it into this category. If you don't already have The Jesus Storybook Bible, I recommend getting this version. Not only is there a gorgeous cover, but the pages are larger which results in larger artwork and larger text. Although this Bible storybook is definitely great for kids, it helped me as an adult, and I think anyone (at any age) would benefit from owning it.

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

The Kids' Quest Study Bible is a fantastic study Bible for kids. It covers some great study basics (who, what, where, when), but also has some informative practical application for kids that I think is wonderful.

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

The Kids' Devotional Bible is both a Bible and a year's worth of devotional readings for kids. And, as a fun bonus, there is some great line art that could make this a coloring Bible.

Top Five Book Recommendations/Reviews of 2017:

These top five book recommendations are my favorites from all the books that I have had the pleasure of reviewing this year. Most of them are for kids, but they are all well loved in our house.

So that you don't have to judge these books solely on their covers, I'll give a little description for each.

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

The Marvelous Mud House is...marvelous. It is beautifully written, incredibly illustrated, and has a wonderful message. It really is an incredible book and a peek at a different lifestyle for those of us with easy access to education, large homes, nice cars, and an abundance of toys. It is definitely worth buying...and buying several copies to share with other families.

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

When God Made You is a positive, uplifting book that celebrates uniqueness and diversity, all in the context of being created by God. It is a literary step above other children's books on the market, in my opinion. The illustrations just add to the incredible confidence-building text in this book and I can't recommend it enough.

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

Found is taken from The Jesus Storybook Bible, and our family loves owning both. The illustrations in this board book are beautifully done in calm colors and they help create a very peaceful feeling. Our littlest one loves to read Found - and he likes to read it often. It's definitely a keeper!

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

Noah, Noah, What Do You See? was an instant favorite in our house. It is co-written by Bill Martin Jr. - the author of classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (and other books in the Brown Bear and Friends line) as well as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (and other Chicka Chicka books). This book is cute and fun to read, definitely a must-have in our house!

{Read my original review here / Buy it here}

Portrait Revolution is all about inspiration (not instruction), but it definitely delivers on being inspirational! Portrait Revolution features portraits (faces from the shoulders up, so it's family friendly), and has sections dividing the art by media, style, theme, and artist. According to my 11 year old artist: "I like all the imaginative ways of making portraits. I like seeing different versions of the same person (subject). There are a lot of drawings with good style." I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to be inspired to create and/or wanting to check out different artistic styles.

The Giveaway:

Whew! We made it! 

(What a year!)

I am SO thankful that you did a little time traveling with me. As a way to say thanks, I'd like to give away some stamps from my stamp company,  Ink Blot Shop, LLC! 

I'll be sending these three stamp sets to one lucky winner:

{Stretched Sentiments}

{PEAS on Earth}

{Rainbow Promise}

To enter:

Leave a comment on this blog post. That's it!

If you would like additional chances to win you can do so in one (or all) of the following ways:
- "Like" Ink Blots by TRD on Facebook. {Please let me know you've done so by leaving an additional comment.}
- Comment on any of my giveaway posts (associated with this particular giveaway) on Facebook or Instagram (@InkBlotsbyTRD).
- Share about and link back to this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or anywhere else. {Please let me know where you've shared/linked by leaving one additional comment.}

Rules of this giveaway:
Blog comments for the giveaway will close Sunday, December 31st @ 11:59pm (Eastern) and the winner will be announced Tuesday, January 2nd here on my blog.
- The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their information.
- Due to shipping costs, giveaways are available to US mailing addresses only.

Please remember to check back to see if you've won.

Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.

After leaving a comment, be sure to hop on over to Sue Eldred's site.

Thanks for stopping by today - and may the Lord bless you in the new year!

The full hop list:

Christine Meyer
Kathy Skou
Kathleen Graumüller
Teri Anderson
Susie Bentz
Janice Daquila-Pardo
Giorgia Rossini
Laurel Seabrook
Aimee Kidd
Mary Ann Jenkins
Keren Tamir
Lee-Anne Thornton
Heather Leopard
Tifany DeGough (You are here)
Sue Eldred
Melissa Elsner
Laura Whitaker
Anita Mulcahey
Ashley Smith
Simone Schermann
Shelly Kurth
Monique Liedtke
Suzanna Lee
Kat Benjamin
Wendy Antenucci
Marcia Dehn-Nix
Laura Cox
Irit Shalom
Nicole Martel
Carolyn Johnson
Tenia Nelson
Samantha Taylor
Rebecca Keppel
Judy Hayes
Isha Gupta
Traci Penrod
Tracy McLennon
Karen Hunter
Lyne Blodgett
Anna Sigga
Lisa Moen

Book Review :: NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls

The NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls is a new journaling Bible on the block, and it is a great one! (If you haven't seen my review of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible or my flip-through of the NIV Beautiful Word Bible, be sure to check those out to get a background on this series of journaling Bibles.) 

The NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls comes in a variety of cover options, but for this review I looked specifically at the teal hardcover. The teal on the Leathersoft™ cover has a subtle shimmer that does not rub off. (The white and pink/coral accents on the cover do not shimmer.) The pages are white with rounded corners and a pinkish-purple ribbon bookmark is attached.

What makes this a "for Girls" Bible? A little bit of text on the spine, on the cardstock slipcover, and on the copyright page. Besides more playful cover options, that's it. I am not a young girl and I will most likely be keeping this one for myself.  

In the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls, there are 500 verses featured in line art illustrations throughout the wide margins (and some on full pages) of the Bible. The line art is generally done in all black, but there are some illustrations that have both black and gray lines. There is also some artwork that has some very light/thin lines, which in my opinion will likely be hard to color...but the vast majority have a bold line weight. 

If you have seen the Beautiful Word Bible in a full-color version or in the original coloring version, I just want to point out that while the verses that are illustrated are the same, the art is not all the same. Also to note, while the Beautiful Word Bible in a full-color version has colored text headers, the coloring versions have all black text (including the headers). All versions are single column with wide margins. (Margins are lined where art is not present.)

Somewhere around half of the illustrations in the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls are identical to the original coloring version. I counted in the first 6 books of the Bible and out of 74 illustrations, 33 are the same and 41 are different. In general, there are more bold/modern illustrations in the "for Girls" version - and in my personal opinion most of them are an improvement. (The illustrations are all in the same location as the originals.)

You may also be curious how the Beautiful Word Coloring Bibles compare to the Inspire Bible that has been so popular as a coloring Bible. In my opinion, the Inspire Bible has more detailed illustrations (very flowery and traditionally beautiful) and the Beautiful Word Coloring Bibles have more of a trendy art style. Whichever art style you prefer is going to make a difference in which Bible you might enjoy most for your creative worship time. (If you have a strong preference for a particular Bible translation, that will obviously make a difference as well.)

If you are looking for a journaling Bible and like the idea of having art to color in, definitely check out the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through their book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Looking for great stamps to use for Bible journaling? Check out Ink Blot Shop, LLC!